We had the good fortune of connecting with Phillip Silverstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phillip, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I shall create as I speak – Abracadabra – I read this in a book recently and was so inspired when I read this, that I got a tattoo of it! For me, when I put a camera in my hand I know magical things are about to happen. When I read this I knew that it was going to be tattooed on me, and within a month it was! I don’t know where I’m headed next, but I can promise it won’t be boring!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artwork is a testament to a person believing in his journey and living out his dream every day. It is the photographic evidence of magical moments that couldn’t be described otherwise. Traveling the world has taught me so much and each new country has brought a new outlook on life. I overcame challenges simply by keeping my focus on my goals, and moving forward daily. So far, I’ve visited 52 countries, and I would go back to all of them tomorrow! There is beauty all around us, its just about what how open our heart is, affecting how we see.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have the full San Diego itinerary planned out in my notes that I send to all my friends! No San Diego trip is complete without the following: a trip to Coronado, either to the beach or Hotel Del. A breakfast burrito from Claytons always hits the spot! You won’t want to miss stopping at Windansea beach. It is one of my favorite beaches in California! Closeby is Oscars Tacos, where they have some of the best tacos period! You will want to check out the market in Little Italy on the weekends, and my favorite new Italian spot – Cesarinas over in Ocean Beach! It is phenomenally authentic and delicious!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people to thank for inspiration along the way, but none comes before my good friend Tobias. We met on the balcony as next door neighbors back in 2014, living in Little Italy! I was in finance at the time and had always had a creative interest. Since I lived in Milan, I had been itching to get back out there and travel some more. I planned a trip to Chile and Tobias lent me his camera to take with me! I came back with 5000 photos and after seeing a few of the photos, he told me to hold onto the camera, which I did for 3 years! I eventually upgraded and gave him his back! Thank you Tobias!

Website: phillipsilverstein.com
Instagram: instagram.com/pgsilver

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.